Starting Small
One of the most effective ways to kickstart a museum’s digital journey is with small test projects. These projects are invaluable for demonstrating proof of concept to stakeholders, be they museum trustees, donors, or curators. A small pilot might involve a virtual exhibit preview, a digital tour using web AR, or an interactive map of a gallery space. Because these projects are relatively low-cost, they’re a manageable first step and provide valuable insight on what works and just as importantly, what doesn't.
Running a smaller digital initiative also helps collect feedback from both internal teams and visitors, providing insights that can justify larger investments. Many museums have used this approach to make a case for grant applications, showcasing clear outcomes and demonstrating a strong potential for growth if further funding is secured.
Justifying Funding
With initial project data in hand, museums can make more compelling funding applications. Whether seeking grants or private donations, having a proven record of what has already worked and, just as importantly why, gives an advantage to grant applications. Data points like engagement metrics, visitor feedback, or even improvements in visitor flow can support an argument for why a larger budget is warranted. Funders appreciate seeing a thoughtful, phased approach to spending, and successful small projects show them the potential for scaled-up initiatives.
These early-stage projects often become invaluable for creating a blueprint. They provide insights into what tools are most effective, what content resonates most, and how visitors interact digitally. All of this information is crucial when building a case for grant funding.
The Road to a Full Digital Offering
As the digital masterplan progresses, data from small projects can illuminate what’s working well and what could be improved, guiding the design of medium and larger scale digital projects. This iterative approach allows museums and galleries to expand their digital capabilities gradually, adjusting their strategies as they gain feedback from stakeholders, staff, and visitors.
Stakeholder involvement is especially important at this stage. Ensuring that curators, educators, and support staff have a say in the digital journey helps to build a holistic strategy that reflects the museum’s goals and values. By making each phase of digital expansion a collaborative effort, the museum can ensure that future digital projects not only fit its unique character but also enhance visitor experiences in meaningful ways.
Increasing Public Engagement
Once the foundation is in place, medium-sized digital projects become the next step. These projects might include enhanced whole galleries presented in AR, self-guided tours, or interactive displays in the gallery space. At this level, budgets are typically higher, but so is the potential for public engagement. Digital elements embedded in physical spaces can encourage deeper exploration and make the museum experience more interactive.
For instance, an augmented reality (AR) display that brings historical artefacts to life or an app that shares behind-the-scenes stories can significantly enhance visitor engagement. These medium-scale projects allow museums to start creating a digital footprint, building excitement and getting valuable feedback from the public that will inform even larger initiatives. Often, the visibility and success of these projects can attract attention from additional donors and supporters, building further momentum for digital transformation.
Turning Attractions into Destinations
Finally, there are large-scale digital projects, which can often act as standalone attractions. These higher-budget initiatives are usually designed to not only engage existing visitors but also to draw new audiences. Examples include immersive full room experiences, VR exhibits, or comprehensive mobile apps that can even serve as a year-round engagement tool. Large-scale digital projects often attract media attention, adding value to the museum’s brand and broadening its audience reach.
While these projects come with a higher cost, they’re highly effective at elevating a museum’s profile. A well-executed large project can transform a museum’s digital presence into a core aspect of its identity, making it a destination in itself for younger visitors in particular. Though large projects often require a large budget, they can be strategic investments that continue to pay off by increasing visitor numbers, expanding audience demographics, and improving long-term engagement. Often this would require grant funding to involve several developers working full time and we are more than happy to assist in this process.
A Collaborative Approach to Digital Project Design
Embarking on a digital journey is a significant undertaking, and at ARHistory, we believe in making this journey as collaborative and seamless as possible. We offer free consultations to help museums and galleries at any stage, whether just exploring digital possibilities or planning a flagship digital experience. We know that each institution is unique, with its own stories to tell, and we’re committed to crafting solutions that fit within any budget, from small pilot projects to immersive, large-scale initiatives.
Our approach is grounded in partnership. We work alongside museums to design digital projects that grow with the institution, using data, feedback, and best practices to deliver lasting impact. We see each project as part of a broader journey and take pride in creating bespoke digital solutions that enhance both visitor engagement and the museum’s cultural impact.